After the traffic stop was concluded, Trooper Renard entered the median area of the Turnpike to proceed southbound when he became ill. Fearing that the trooper may have been exposed to some unknown substance that caused him to become ill, EMS was notified, and Renard was subsequently flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center for evaluation.

Because FHP supervisors felt that Trooper Renard's sudden illness may not have been coincidental, law enforcement agencies north of Orlando were asked to be on the lookout for the vehicle and stop it if located. FHP troopers located the vehicle in Columbia County and subsequently made the decision to stop it in the Agricultural Inspection Station along Interstate 75 in Hamilton County. Troopers conducted a field interview, photographed both driver and passenger, and obtained identification from the female passenger. She was identified as 31-year old Jackie Lambert, of 2889 Forest Hills Blvd., Coral Springs, Florida. During the interview, it was determined that the couple was enroute to Atlanta. Troopers were advised that Trooper Renard's sudden illness was not a result of any type of contamination, but doctors had diagnosed his sickness as an anxiety attack. Because there was no reason to hold the subjects any longer, the driver and passenger were released.

Subsequent investigation has revealed that Eljallad entered the United States on December 29, 2000, and his INS permit had expired on October 18, 2001. The Georgia State Patrol has been notified and asked to be on the lookout for the vehicle and, if found, hold the driver for INS.

Trooper Renard will be released from the hospital this afternoon. Renard, age 39, is a 7-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol.